We are The Christie magazine July 2025 Staff edition

Patient stories

Paige Nunu

When 31-year-old Paige Nunu from Stockport was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma in October 2022, her world changed overnight. However, the aggressive, lifesaving chemotherapy left her with debilitating side effects. Learning the technique wasn’t without its challenges. “When Eileen did the acupuncture, it looked so easy,” says Paige. “But having tried it on myself, it can be a bit fiddly. I do one limb at a time now, which is more manageable.” Despite the learning curve, Paige is optimistic. “The self- acupuncture has definitely stopped things getting worse,” she declares. “And I hope that in time, and as I get better at it, the numbness and pain will be less. It’s great to have been able to take ownership of my future health and wellbeing.” Eileen Hackman, Integrative Therapy Health and Wellbeing Lead, believes The Christie is the only centre offering self-acupuncture sessions for cancer patients, along with group acupuncture and one-to-one sessions with a therapist. She said: “Research has shown that acupuncture benefits cancer patients physically and psychologically. Patients describe it as life-changing and feel it enables them to regain some control. “As a nurse, there is no greater privilege than empowering patients like Paige to take an active role in her own recovery. It’s a testament to the true power of integrative therapy and personalised care.” When patients have completed a six-week course, and deemed eligible, they are invited for self-acupuncture training. “A one-hour appointment shows patients how to safely insert and remove the needles under guidance,” Eileen explains. “They receive a written guide, a video, and follow-up phone calls.” Recruitment into the study is currently on hold, until further funding is secured.

“After finishing my cancer treatment, I had nerve pain and numbness in my hands and feet,” Paige recalls. “I was getting a sharp stabbing pain in my feet and sometimes was unable to walk.” Paige, a stay-at-home mum, was referred to The Christie’s integrative therapy team for acupuncture. “I had this once a week for a couple of months, and it really helped with the pain. The stabbing pains stopped, and I was able to walk properly again.” But with a new baby and the return of symptoms, regular hospital visits became difficult. That’s when her therapist, Eileen Hackman, offered her the option to become one of the first Christie patients to try self-acupuncture. “I jumped at the chance, particularly as I had recently given birth and had to juggle childcare with my weekly acupuncture appointments.”

“It’s great to have been able to take ownership of my future health and wellbeing. "

Reflecting on her experience, Paige says, “The Christie is not like most hospitals; it has a special feeling. There is so much positivity, and the staff are so friendly and caring. It’s got a family feel; it feels like home.”

The self-acupuncture initiative is funded through an application made by The Christie Charity to the Walk the Walk charity.

"As a nurse, there is no greater privilege than empowering patients like Paige to take an active role in her own recovery."

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